The Jewish Theological Seminary
About
Passover is a time to gather with family and friends and celebrate our journey out of bondage as a people. As we come together around the seder table, we take part in the rituals of the past and ask four questions that each year hold new meaning.
This holiday in particular, when it seems as though there are so many new plagues—from the economy to ongoing war—let us be reminded of our perseverance and strength. This year, we also have the opportunity to celebrate a unique ritual, Birkat Ha-Hammah.
To all we say hag sameah!
The Prato Haggadah
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Learn more about the Prato Haggadah, (ca. 1300), one of the oldest of all illuminated Spanish Haggadot and one of the few unfinished illuminated Hebrew manuscripts. Explore the Prato Haggadah page by page via The Library's interactive digital portal. |
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See the Prato Hagaddah at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the new exhibit, Pen and Parchment: Drawing in the Middle Ages, that runs from June 2–August 23, 2009. |
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This interactive website provides a wealth of downloadable content, compelling text, and vivid imagery culled from historic artifacts, that children and teachers of all ages can use to broaden their understanding of the Passover holiday and create their own illuminated haggadot.
Experience Passover Through Archaeology and Rare Documents.
Torah Commentary and Translations
Images from Passover Landscapes: Illuminations on the Exodus
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Rabbi Matthew L. Berkowitz, senior rabbinic fellow, recently published The Lovell Haggadah (2008). Included in the package is a folio of vibrant, original artwork that tells the Passover story. Enjoy a sampling of imagery below and explore more of the artwork here. Read Rabbi Berkowitz's Reflections From Israel, a series of letters from his travels in the Holy Land. |
A green Passover holiday can go beyond serving extra parsley. Download our sustainable seder guide and learn more about how to make this year's holiday truly different from all others.
Passover-friendly recipes from Baking and Books
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Recipe website by Ariela Pelaia, The Davidson School |
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Creating Lively Seders
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Dr. David Arnow graduated phi beta kappa from Brandeis University and earned a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Boston University in 1982. No longer practicing, Dr. Arnow has been an activist in the Jewish community and a writer for many years. Dr. Arnow's many articles on issues of Jewish interest have appeared in Reform Judaism, Conservative Judaism, Judaism, the Journal of Jewish Communal Service, Contemporary Judaism, Moment Magazine, Tikkun, the Journal of Israeli History, and numerous Jewish newspapers. Listen to a lecture on "Creating Lively Seders," recorded March 29, 2009, and read the program brochure from this interesting discussion. |
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Dr. Arnow is the author of Creating Lively Passover Seders: A Sourcebook of Engaging Tales, Texts & Activities, published in 2004 and coeditor of and a contributor to My People's Passover Haggadah, 2008. More information and additional resources for Passover can be found at Lively Seders. |
New Hope and New Beginnings
"Pesah: Inspiring Us to Create Freedom for Others"
Naomi Brunnlehrman is an alumna of The Graduate School of The Jewish Theological Seminary, and cofounder of the Jewish Deaf Resource Center